Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office

Michigan lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. You can do this through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or by visiting an office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you move out of state or need to change your name at the same time, you'll need to renew your license instead of just updating the address.

You'll need your current driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method if you're doing this online. The fee is $5 for an address change. Have your new address ready before you start, and make sure it matches what you'll use on other documents — banks, insurance, and voter registration all check against your license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Michigan Secretary of State website lets you change your address online for $5, and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need your current driver's license number and a valid email address to use the online method.
  • If you're moving out of state or changing your name, you must renew your license instead of just updating the address.
  • You can also mail a form or visit a Secretary of State office in person if you prefer not to use the website.

Update your address online through the Secretary of State website

Go to michigan.gov/sos and look for the "Driver License and ID Card Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Your Address Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information.

Review what's on file and enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear. Double-check the spelling and make sure the address format matches what your city or county uses — this matters for mail delivery and official records. Once you confirm the new address, you'll pay $5 by debit card or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system won't accept your information or you get an error message, try again in a few hours — the system sometimes has temporary issues. If it continues to fail, use the mail-in or in-person method instead.

Mail in a change of address form

read the "process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card" form from michigan.gov/sos, or call the Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) to request one by mail. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a check or money order for $5 made out to the "State of Michigan."

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct mailing address. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form, plus mail delivery time on both ends. Your updated license will be sent to your new address.

Visit a Secretary of State office in person

Find your nearest office at michigan.gov/sos under "Branch Offices" or call 1-888-SOS-MICH. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address only, not renew your license. Pay $5 at the counter. You'll receive a temporary paper document that's valid for 30 days while your updated license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. No appointment is required at most offices, but wait times vary — going early in the week or early in the day is usually faster.

What you need before you start

Have your current Michigan driver's license number ready — you'll need it for any method. For the online option, you also need a valid email address and a debit or credit card. For the in-person method, bring your current license and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

Make sure your new address is correct before you submit it. Once the change is processed, updating it again requires another $5 fee. If you're not sure of the exact address format your city uses, check your lease, utility bill, or the city assessor's website.

When you need to renew instead of just changing the address

If you're moving to a different state, you cannot just change your address — you must renew your license in your new state. Michigan will not mail an updated license to an out-of-state address. If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you also need to renew rather than update the address. The same applies if your current license is expired or will expire within 30 days.

For any of these situations, start the renewal process in Michigan or your new state instead. Renewal costs more than an address change and requires additional documents, but it's the only way to make these updates official.

What happens after your updated license arrives

Your new license will look identical to your old one except for the address. The license number, expiration date, and all other information stay the same. Once it arrives, you can use it right away — there's no set up step. Destroy your old license or keep it as a record; Michigan doesn't require you to return it.

Update your address with your bank, insurance company, voter registration, and any other organizations that have your license on file. Some will accept a photo of your new license; others may ask you to submit a change form. Your updated license is the official proof of your new address for all of these purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it instead of just changing the address. Renewal requires additional documents and costs more, but it's the only option available to you.

How long does it take to get my updated license in the mail?

After you submit your change online, by mail, or in person, your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time on both ends means the total time from submission to arrival is usually 10 to 14 days. If you need proof of your new address before the license arrives, ask for a temporary paper document at a Secretary of State office.

What if I move again before my updated license arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State before your first updated license is mailed and provide your correct address. If the license has already been mailed, you can update the address again for another $5 fee, or wait for it to arrive and then submit a second change. Updating twice costs more, so confirm your final address before you submit the first change.

Do I need to show proof of residency to change my address online?

No. The online method only requires your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. If you use the in-person method, you must bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

Can I change my address if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, the process is the same. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. The $5 fee applies to commercial licenses as well.